Wildflowers, Music, Wine, Enchanted by the Rock!! Follow your BLISS to Spring Time in the Texas Hill Country! Soon the Redbuds, Mountain Laurel, Quince, Jasmine and Wisteria will be putting on COLOR! Bluebonnets will bloom along the backroads and highways in Mason and Llano Counties... we have so much wonderful soaking rain in the Texas Hill Country in the autumn of 2014 and winter of 2015! Wildflower Season 2015 could BE FANTASTIC. CELEBRATE! The changing season! It's a GREAT time to climb Enchanted Rock, Visit your favorite Winery and EXPLORE two new ones, Historic Dance Halls? We have THREE: Luckenbach, Albert and Sisterdale... and, right downtown, in the historic district, Rockbox Theater, Hondo's on Main, Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse, Silvercreek and Auslander... get ready for FABULOUS LIVE MUSIC that will get you up and jumping... out dancing, boot scootin'...Wildflower Season in the Hill Country, around Fredericksburg, is somewhat variable. REDBUDS, Flowering Quince, Mountain Laurel, and phlox begin in late February to early March. Bluebonnets are usually at their peak around the middle of April, but can begin much earlier. We recommend the following areas for viewing wildflowers.* 965 (Milam Street) out of Fredericksburg, past Enchanted Rock. 965 connects with 16 - Left to Llano, right to Willow City Loop and back to Fredericksburg.* Willow City Loop - take 16 (Llano Street) out of Fredericksburg,13.3 miles,turn right on RR1323 - continue 2.79 miles to Willow City, turn left onto Willow City Loop. This private ranch road winds for 13 miles through rugged, awe inspiring Texas Hill Country and reconnects with 16.* 16 from Willow City Loop into Llano, Texas* 152 out of Llano to Castell

First lady of Wildflowers!Lady Bird Johnson encouraged the beautification of Texas highways with native plants and wildflowers for 20 years, starting in 1969. She focused on the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. On the occasion of her 70th birthday in 1982, she dedicated her "National Wildflower Research Center".... the mission "to teach and demonstrate how native plants conserve water, minimize the use of fertilizers and insecticides that pollute the environment and convey a unique sense of place."

An incredible adventure awaits you! Soon you'll know why Fredericksburg Tx is one of the most popular getaways in Texas! So let us entice you! There's so much to do and see in our historic town! Fredericksburg Tx is nestled in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas; right in the heart of Wine Country, with a vibrant ART and LIVE MUSIC scene that will dazzle and inspire! Let us be your GUIDE to the TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ADVENTURES of your dreams. We take great pride in providing visitors with the TRAVEL INFORMATION necessary to plan a rich and exciting vacation or romantic weekend getaway. Get some BIG INSPIRATION! CELEBRATE the BEST things in LIFE... family and friends! The Hill Country's waiting for you! Fredericksburg has EVERYTHING you need for an exciting ADVENTURE filled stay in the beautiful TEXAS HILL COUNTRY!

Fredericksburg, Texas, is a wonderful walking and bike riding town, especially during the holidays when homes are adorned with the fabulous lights and decorations of the holiday season. You can rent bikes at Hill Country Bicycle Works, but be sure to reserve them in advance, especially on weekends. Hill Country Bicycle Works also has maps and recommendations for rides in and around Fredericksburg and the surrounding Texas Hill Country!

If you're a WINE lover the The Fredericksburg Wine Country Trail is the ultimate Texas Wine Tasting Experience! (Hint: make reservations with a Wine Tour Service... so you can relax and enjoy the company of your friends while discovering the NEW TEXAS GOLD!) Here's to more Texas Wine Adventures!

Whenever possible buy locally grown and produced foods for your family's table. Nothing tastes as GOOD as FRESH! And... when you serve freshly harvested, vine ripened fruits and vegetables and grass-fed meats and poultry the nutritional content of the meals you prepare is significantly higher! If you’re a local or on vacation in the Texas Hill Country, the Fredericksburg Farmers Market is open seasonally for your enjoyment. It's a happening community event on Thursday afternoons from 3 - 7pm. The 8th Spring Market starts May 7, and continues every Thursday, thru August.... RAIN or SHINE, at Marktplatz Kinder Halle from 3pm to 7pm! The opening bell rings at 3pm, live music kicks, Chef Reymer is popping his EXCEPTIONAL hand crafted pizzas in the brick oven, Sunset Grill has Greek / Lamb sliders on the grill, freshly roasted coffee is brewing, and our guest chef is putting a fabulous tasting experience together at Chef's Corner. You can make an evening of it... create an amazing locavore picnic surprise! Grab a loaf of freshly Baked Artisan Bread, some Hand Crafted Goat Cheese, a hot out of the oven pizza, a slider, a bottle of Texas Wine from our participating local wine partner... add some Vine Ripened Tomatoes, Peppers, and Fresh Cut Basil! PRESTO! Dinner al Fresco! DELICIOUS! You can make an evening of it. Do your shopping then create an amazing locavore picnic... find a place at a picnic table, eat FRESH and enjoy live music with old and new Farmer's Market Friends!

It's a fine time to climb the rock... when the sky is new-season-blue and the air is crisp and cool! It's MAGICAL up there! And, the view from the TOP is TEXAS! FOREVER!Standing there in the clouds, looking out over the beauty blazing below, you'll instantly understand why it's called the "Enchanted" Rock! Be sure to call before you drive! The park sometimes fills to capacity on weekends during peak season and on holidays! Enchanted Rock is located 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on Ranch Road 965.

DESTINATION LIVE MUSIC! Whatever genre soothes your soul, get's you out on the dance floor, or tapping your toes... Alternative, Blues, Classical, Country, Hip Hop, Rock 'n' Roll, Opera, R&B, Soul, World Music, Jazz, Latin, Pop, Americana, German, Folk, Bluegrass, Gospel, Big Band! We're making the MUSIC, you'll experience the Magic! If the Texas two step is your passion we have FOUR Historic Dance Halls! Pat's Hall, Luckenbach, Albert and Sisterdale, and right downtown, in the historic district, Rockbox Theater, Hondo's on Main, Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse, Silvercreek and Auslander! So get ready for FABULOUS LIVE MUSIC that will get you up and jumping; out on the dancefloor, boot scootin'... the night away! Discover why Fredericksburg, Tx is THE Music Destination in the Texas Hill Country!Luckenbach Texas,Hondo's on Main, Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse and RockBox Theater ARE putting Fredericksburg, Texas, on the TEXAS LIVE MUSIC MAP! Fredericksburg might be a small town.... BUT! we have a BIG MUSIC and ART SCENE!

Fort Martin Scott is located two miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Texas, on the banks of Barons Creek. It was the first U.S. military post established on the western frontier of Texas. Today it is an historical treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.TheFort Martin Scott Advisory Commitee and Fort Martin Scott Friends invite you to become a "GUARDIAN of the TEXAS FRONTIER"! Help us protect, preserve and honor the history, heritage and heroes of the Lone Star State.BIG PLANS in the WORKS!Currently, the new "Texas Rangers Heritage Center" is under construction next to Ft Martin Scott. When completed, Fredericksburg, Texas, will be home to a TOP "Living History" Attraction! Together the Fort and Heritage Center will provide an interactive, hands on opportunity to get up close and personal with the life and times of the early pioneers in the Texas Hill Country.It's Your Fort, too! SUPPORT YOUR FORT! Please, join us on Saturday, October 18th, from 6 - 9pm at Fort Martin Scott for the “Long Live The Fort" Gala. Enjoy a fabulous night of fine food and entertainment. After a catered feast of Smoked Salmon and Prime Rib, you will be treated to a "Living History" presentation in which Lieutenant Colonel Martin Scott tells the lively tale of his time at the Fort. Enjoy an educational and entertaining look at history... through drama and song! The show includes live music, a mounted Texas Ranger and the Fort Martin Scott Garrison military unit, complete with a firing of the canon and the passing of the Fort's Mantle of Stewardship. To request an invitation and order tickets, contact City Communications Manager, Juli Bahlinger, at 830- 456-5084. www.ftmartinscott.org

Make us TEXAS PROUD Garrison Brothers Distillery! In the 2014 Edition of Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible, the world's leading whiskey guide,"Cowboy Bourbon" from Garrison Brothers was named "The American Micro Whiskey of the Year!"

Congratulations Torre di Pietra! In the Lone Star International Wine Competition the TDP Tango Port won a GOLD, Grandstar, and Best in Varietal!!! What else can you say about the BEST Port in Texas!! Also, Midnight Nymph won a Sliver and Porto Blanco won a Bronze!! And, two TDP labels received awards: Porto Blanco won a gold and Parada won a Silver!!

Wine Road 290! is an association of Texas Hill Country Wineries and their Vineyards, plus Affiliate Tasting Rooms, in the Fredericksburg AVA, on either side of Fredericksburg, Texas! Enjoy the panoramic beauty and diverse landscape of rolling limestone hills and crystal clear rivers and streams, while exploring our world class wineries, just minutes apart, along US Highway 290! Discover picturesque vineyards, charming tasting rooms, and barrel cellars filled with aging, premium wines that showcase our distinctive Texas terroir. The wine, ambiance and experience at each winery are unique! In addition to the regular Tastings and Weekend Events at each winery, the members of Wine Road 290 team up with the chefs from local restaurants to bring you special Wine and Food Pairing Events. Visit our website for dates, times and details! The Perfect Wine Getaway! See you on the Wine Trail! Salud! www.wineroad290.com

Congratulations Cabernet Grill! A 2011 Best American Cuisine Winner - Top 100 Restaurants List! "American cuisine has truly come into its own, thanks in part to the chefs and restauranteurs who are elevating our nation's food culture one plate at a time. Out of over 10 million restaurant reviews, OpenTable diners have chosen their Top !00 American Restaurants. This holiday season celebrate the cuisine that makes America's foodies feel there's no place like home." - OpenTable To EXPERIENCE this award winning cuisine paired with your choice of Vino selected from one of the BEST wine lists in the Hill Country....make reservations today at: www.cottonginlodging.com

The HARVEST is done! The grapes are stomped! and, the wine is in the barrel! It's Holiday Season... TEXAS STYLE!Squeeze close! Make a toast and CELEBRATE together! Ein Prosit!The Fredericksburg, Texas Wine Country Wineries and Vineyards invite you to EXPERIENCE the beauty of mid-winter magic in the Texas Hill Country!

Have you been DREAMING about a HOLIDAY roadtrip? a WINE BUYING extravaganza? If your holiday shopping list includes THE perfect bottle of Texas Wine for your Christmas Table, or you want to make your Special wine aficianado's eyes sparkle on Christmas morning, grab your BEST FRIEND and DRIVE! A Wine Destination Getaway, in the heart of Texas Wine Country, is just a scenic drive away...

Take an exciting, inspiring, DELICIOUS respite from the ordinary Holiday Shopping Season! Make a fun-run, take a weekend getaway or mid-week runaway... it's the perfect tonic for body, mind and soul!

The Wineries and Tasting rooms along US Hwy 290 have new vintages to share. Many have music, and specialty food on Saturdays and Sundays. WINE and MUSIC = A PARTY! So, get on the line to your favorite traveling companion, and join us! Welcome WINTER! SWIRL! SNIFF! SIP! SAVOR! Drink in the HOLIDAY SEASON... find inspiration on the backroads of Texas! and don't forget to Raise your glass and "Toast a Rising Star, TEXAS WINE! Salut!

Practice the ART of living! - Texas Hill Country Adventures!

An incredible adventure awaits you! Soon you'll know why Fredericksburg Tx is one of the most popular getaways in Texas! So let us entice you! There's so much to do and see in our historic town! Fredericksburg Tx is nestled in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas; right in the heart of Wine Country, with a vibrant ART and LIVE MUSIC scene that will dazzle and inspire! Let us be your GUIDE to the TEXAS HILL COUNTRY ADVENTURES of your dreams. We take great pride in providing visitors with the TRAVEL INFORMATION necessary to plan a rich and exciting vacation or weekend getaway!

Fredericksburg Texas is famous for its BED and BREAKFASTS! Choose from our list of Hill Country B&B's and know that you will EXPERIENCE some of the finest LODGING that Fredericksburg TX has to offer! A BED and BREAKFAST stay offers the perfect ACCOMMODATIONS for a ROMANTIC GETAWAY, a WEEKEND VACATION, a GIRLS GETAWAY, or a special gathering of friends. BED and BREAKFAST possibilities range from a CABIN by the RIVER to LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS above the HISTORIC MAIN STREET SHOPPING DISTRICT! There are also plenty of HOTEL options available to suit your personal LODGING needs! Whether you're planning a FAMILY VACATION or a relaxing GET AWAY... it's ALL right here; from RESORTS to CONFERENCE FACILITIES for your CORPORATE EVENT, the Texas Hill Country has just the right HOTEL ACCOMMODATION for your Hill Country adventure! BOOK ONLINE!

Are you traveling in your RV? Not to worry! There are many RV CAMPGROUNDS available in and around Fredericksburg. Whether you're exploring solo, or with your RV CLUB there's just the right RV PARK for your VACATION or EXTENDED STAY!

You could spend a lifetime... there's so much to do and see! There's no place quite like Fredericksburg Tx! Come and DISCOVER the MAGICAL Texas Hill Country! EXPLORE! Amazing historic SHOPPING districts with unique galleries and boutiques. Be inspired by world-class ENTERTAINMENT, acclaimed community THEATER, The Hill Country Film Festival, The Rockbox Theater, offering family friendly live entertainment "celebrating the golden era of Rock 'n' Roll". A huge number of Live MUSIC venues, including three historic Texas Dance Halls, Luckenbach Texas, Albert and SisterCreek Dance Hall. A vibrant and rapidly growing ART scene that has won Fredericksburg the reputation as "An American Art Destination"! An explosion of WINERIES (30 +), WINE TOURS, and tasting rooms that feature Texas Wine and Wine from around the world, SCENIC DRIVES through Awe-Inspiring Natural Beauty, and a rural landscape dotted with notable small Texas towns with lovely, well preserved historic districts. There are plenty of RECREATION and ADVENTURE opportunities, including a large concentration of some of Texas' most popular State Parks, including ENCHANTED ROCK, Old Tunnel State Park (Bat Tunnel), the Blanco River State Park, the Pedernales State Park and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. GOLF courses, and a number of beautiful Texas Rivers, the Guadalupe, the Pedernales, the Llano, and the Blanco that welcome nature lovers and outdoorsmen to their pristine waters for TUBING, swimming, canoeing, kyaking and fishing. Go out and PLAY! The wonderful Texas Hill Country is waiting for YOU!

Allow yourself the time to Discover all that the charming and historic town of Fredericksburg, Texas has to offer. Venture into the countryside on incredible scenic drives, take leisurely strolls in the historic district, surrounded by turn-of-the-century architecture, history, heritage and culture. Spend your day Shopping; purusing one-of-a-kind, eclectic shops and art galleries, Museums, Award-Winning Texas Wineries and Tasting Rooms, unwind at a day spa... where a delightful massage will restore your mind, body and soul! There’s so much to do in this idyllic Texas town. At the end of your busy day return to the cozy charm and peaceful surroundings of your bed and breakfast and savor some quality time together, with family, or friends. Or... indulge in a DELIGHTFULLY ROMANTIC evening with your sweetheart, enjoy a revitalizing soak in the hot tub at your b&b, a midnight swim in the hotel pool, or curl up with a good book and a glass of wine in a deliciously comfortable chair! If you'd rather go out on the town, you'll find an impressive variety of nightlife in Fredericksburg; Live Music, Theater, Dance Halls, Festivals and Events, or you can spend a memorable evening walking in the stillness of the night with stars twinkling overhead. You WILL fall in love... with Fredericksburg, Tx and the EXTRAORDINARY Texas Hill Country!

Fredericksburg Tx enjoys a peaceful, rural setting, centrally located in the Hill Country just a short drive from the larger metropolitan areas of San Antonio and Austin. Plan your next Texas Vacation in Fredericksburg, Tx, and it can serve as your hub to EXPLORE the greater Texas Hill Country. After an exciting Day Trip to the hustle and bustle of the Big City, you can return to charming Fredericksburg where the pace is more relaxed and peaceful. Tourist Attractions like the San Antonio River Walk, Sea World San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Schlitterbahn, and Historic Gruene, home of Gruene Hall and the BEST River Trips and Tubing Outfitters in the state of Texas, can be reached within a short and scenic 1.5 hour drive!

History and Heritage

Fredericksburg Tx was founded May 8, 1846 by Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach, new Commissioner General of the "Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas", also known as the "Noblemen's Society" or Mainzer Adelsverein. The town of Fredericksburg was named in honor of Prince Frederick of Prussia. Baron von Meusebach renounced his noble title and became known in Texas as John O. Meusebach. Fredericksburg is known as the home of "Texas German", a German dialect spoken by the first generations of settlers who did not learn English. The settlers entered into a peace treaty with the Comanche Indians of the region. This treaty has been honored for over a century and a half, making it one of the few treaties with Native Americans that was never broken. Fredericksburg Texas was an important part of the Pro-Union Texas resistance during the Civil War and it shares many cultural characteristics with New Braunfels, another German Texan town. Fredericksburg, Tx is also notable as the birthplace of Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Forces in World War II. The hotel owned by Nimitz's grandfather was converted into a museum, The National Museum of the Pacific War. It is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated to telling the story of the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. The museum is located on a six-acre site, and includes the George Bush Gallery, Admiral Nimitz Museum, Plaza of Presidents, Veterans' Walk of Honor, Japanese Garden of Peace, Pacific Combat Zone, and the Center for Pacific War Studies. The Japanese government gifted the Japanese Garden of Peace, a Zen Garden, to the museum as a tribute to the Nimitz Family.

Experience live World War II enactments at the National Museum of the Pacific War. See our Calendar of Events for other special programs at the museum.

"Zion Lutheran Church? located at 424 W. Main Street in Fredericksburg, Texas, is the oldest Lutheran Church in the Texas Hill Country. It was Founded in 1852 and the cornerstones were set on March 6, 1854. It was designated a "Recorded Texas Historic Landmark" in 1964.

The Holy Ghost Lutheran Church at 113 San Antonio Street, was originally the Evangelical Protestant Church of the Holy Ghost (Heilige Geist). The cornerstone for the church was laid in 1888, and it was completed in 1893. Designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1981.

The artwork for this 1898 Four cent US postage stamp, depicting an "Indian Hunting Buffalo", was taken from an engraving by Soldier Artist, Captain Seth Eastman. This stamp was part of the "Trans-Mississippi Exposition Commemorative Series".

Did you know that Soldier-Artist, Captain Seth Eastman, commander of Companies D and H, 1st US Infantry, established Camp Houston (now Fort Martin Scott) two miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Texas, on December 5, 1848?

Llano Earth Art Fest | HOMEwww.llanoearthartfest.orgThe Llano Earth Art Fest scheduled for March 13, 14, and 15 2015 in Llano, Texas a family festival, celebrating the natural beauty of the Earth, The Llano River, Art, Community and Fun, while hosting the National Rock Stacking C

February 20 - March 8, 2015 - Fredericksburg Theater Company Presents "Fiddler on the Roof"! If you haven't seen an FTO show... you're missing out on an AMAZING Community Theater EXPERIENCE! Fredericksburg, Texas... HAS TALENT!

Cover PhotosKerry Goff directs the musical story of Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his struggles to maintain his family and the Jewish traditions that bind them together. Winning nine Tony awards including Best Musical, "Fiddler" features the classic songs "Sunrise, Sunset", "If I Were a Rich Man" and many more. Starring FTC founder Jeryl Hoover as Tevye. Feb. 20 - Mar. 8, 2015, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 2:00 pm., at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, 1668 S US Hwy 87, Fredericksburg, TX, 78624. Advance tickets are $29 for adults and $12 for 17 and younger. The box office opens Monday, Feb. 9th to the public. Tickets at the door are $35. Box office hours beginning Feb. 9th are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling 830-997-3588 or online at www.fredericksburgtheater.org. ? at Fredericksburg Theater Company. ? at Fredericksburg Theater Company.

Wine Enthusiast named the Texas Hill Country, USA, NUMBER THREE on their list of the "10 Best Wine Travel Destinations 2014"!"It’s still a sea of cowboy hats and pickup trucks, a place where you can sip award-winning wines in a landscape dotted with as many cacti as vines. Visitors may flock to Hill Country to sip wine, but they end up drinking in the romance of the Old West, too. - Alexis KormanRead More > >

Make us TEXAS PROUD Garrison Brothers Distillery! In the 2014 Edition of Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible, the world's leading whiskey guide,"Cowboy Bourbon" from Garrison Brothers was named"The American Micro Whiskeyof the year!"www.garrisonbros.com

Texas Top 40 Travel Destinations

Texas Highways Magazine

The Texas Highways readers' choice Texas Top 40 countdown! Last fall, Texas Highways readers were askedto share their favorite places in the state for the "Texas Top-40 Travel Destinations”.San Antonio came in #1,The Texas Hill Country #5, and Fredericksburg #7!www.texashighways.com

FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK

Fredericksburg, Tx

Bringing Art and Art Lovers together!Enjoy fine wine from local wineries and the Fredericksburg ART scene!Find out more >

Texas Hill Country

By John Graves and Wyman Meinzer

Two of Texas' most respected artists join their talents to create an unsurpassed portrait of the Texas Hill Country. "Together, John Graves and Wyman Meinzer once again demonstrate that they are the foremost artists of the Texas landscape. The portrait they create in images and words is as close as you can come to the heart of the Hill Country without being there." www.utexas.edu

Sherman's Travel

5 Eco Friendly Wineries

Pedernales Cellars, TexasComposting, recycling, and natural pest management is just the starting point for Pedernales Cellars. By building underground, this Texas Hill Country winery takes advantage of the area’s natural limestone to provide a cool and steady environment for case storage, slashing the facility’s energy consumption in half. Removal of invasive plant species and cedar overgrowth from the property has also led to the reemergence of previously lost seeps and springs. An added bonus? The tasting room features local and sustainable products like Bella Vista Ranch’s olive oils and t-shirts made from renewable bamboo fibers.- April 22, 2013 by Teresa BitlerRead about other Eco-FriendlyWineries at blog.shermanstravel.com

Hill Country Bicycle Works

You can rent a bike at Hill Country Bicycle Works! Their rental fleets feature road and fitness hybrid bikes. It is recommended that you reserve your rental bike in advance, especially during holidays and weekends. They also have maps and recommendations for rides in and around Fredericksburg, Texas, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country! Located at 702 East Main. Closed Sundays and Wednesdays! 830-990-2609www.hillcountrybicycle.com